The Switzerland Traveler

If you’re on the look out for a modern stylish hotel, you could do much worse than the new hotel down at Sihl City.
Built as part of Zurich’s latest shopping centre, it’s ideally situated for both cars and public transport.
It’s located about 400 metres/yards from the motorway to Chur, and has a train station and train and bus stops within 2 minutes walk.
It’s a pleasant place to meet just for a drink, very loungy, and the rooms are considered to be spacious and trendy.
And of course there are lots of shops nearby, a multiplex cinema and a number of restaurants, …read more

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So, the EM is finally over, and Spain deserved to win in the final, even if the 1-0 scoreline doesn’t make it look like they dominated the match.
It was probably my transfer of support from Italy to Germany that put the mockers on the boys in white, but frankly, apart from 20 minutes or so, they didn’t look like they had a clue.
I’ve been amazed at how much of a success the EM has been. Personally, I went from having little interest (you may remember that a certain nation didn’t qualify) to wanting to see every match. Well, most of …read more

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Mainly just a post for locals, although if you are planning a trip next year and are thinking of visiting friends or relatives in Winterthur, then maybe round about this time is an option.
A lot of places have annual celebrations, and the annual festival in Winterthur is allegedly the biggest.
Of course, I’m still sticking with my belief that the Badenfahrt is the best festival in the country but as it’s every 10 years, that doesn’t really help anyone. Unless you are reading this in June 2017, of course…
It’s one of those turn-up-and-have-a-look-round type of events, so no need to describe …read more

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The ETH is Zürich’s main technical university, home of some really smart professors, and inventors of whizzo computer technology.
They can also do light shows, as these two pictures show.

The first one looks pretty much like a Union Flag (Jack, if you prefer) and the second one looks like it’s been done by the Dutch.
Both photos were taken on the night that Spain beat Russia, so no need to show pictures of rioting Spaniards. Actually, it was pretty quiet last night, very few cars driving round beeping horns, which is the usual mediterranean way of celebrating.
So that’s it, Germany and Spain …read more

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I never thought I’d say this but since the quarter finals finished, I want Germany to win. Until then I was backing Italy, because I always do – even on those rare occasions that England qualify.  I don’t really know why (it’s something to do with Ferrari) because their style of play is always so irritating.
But the Germans played bruilliantly against the Portuguese, and I think they can beat anyone now.
It was a bit of a struggle against Turkey, but they got through. And winning when you’re not playing at your best is the mark of a great team.
Only two …read more

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 Just a quick post because I came across this semi-HDR shot of Geneva airport and really liked it.
If you’re entering Switzerland by plane, you’re much more likely to come in via Zurich, as it’s so much bigger, with many inter-continental connections.
But Geneva is really useful for skiing holidays, in particular for some of the French Alpine resorts, and quite a few European carriers fly there.
However, it must be said that the airport doesn’t run with the Teutonic efficiency of it’s bigger brother and has a more provincial feel. Don’t count on delays, but don’t be surprised.
And don’t expect the slick shops …read more

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 Was that the most boring game you’ve ever seen?
Two great footballing nations: Think Real Madrid and Barcelona; AC Milan and Juventus. And all the rest…
I really feel sorry for the people that paid for tickets. So many games in the EM have been entertaining but that was dire.
I watched the BBC coverage of the game, and the most entertaining part was the irony of the commentary. At half time they showed a feature on the old Orsoin Welles film noir The Third Man. To which Gary Lineker responded: You know the football must be rubbish when we get more worked …read more

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There’s little doubt that one of the highligts of the EM has been the support for (and by) the Dutch.
That peaked in Basel on Saturday night and it would be remiss not to document it a bit more.

One particular page on Flickr has a great series of pictures, some of which I’m showing here. Thanks to RNW for these.

If you’re curious about what else went on in Basel, why not take a trip over to RNW’s photostream (see link below)

In the meantime, we have two semi-finals and a final to look forward to. Let’s hope they provide as much entertainment …read more

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Orange. Or Oranje if you are that way inclined.
At least, it was on Saturday night. Hordes of crazy Dutch and Pseudo-Dutch (you know who you are Jonathan) invaded the city.
Actually the city was probably a cross between orange and green, as separating Dutch people from beer is nigh on impossible. And, as far as the EM is concerned, beer is green. Well, the cans are…
Sadly the Dutch were knocked out by a very on-form Russia, which will no doubt mean it’s a lot less fun from now on.
Finally, a few more afros for Kristie, who seems to like …read more

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OK I’m cheating here, as this picture was taken in Germany. But I like it.
What a great match that was yesterday, everything that was good about football, and a few of the bad bits as well.
Maybe the Portuguese should have dealt with the two set pieces, but on the whole Germany deserved to win.
And so one of the main favourites is no longer in the tournament. But there’s still Holland, Italy and Germany. And who is going to write off Croatia?
It’s definitely getting to the interesting stage now!
Tomorrow, Basel will be decked out in Orange. So I’ll probably be on the …read more

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